Search - Patrice Rushen :: Straight From the Heart

Criminally Underrated, But Terrific!!

WILLIE A YOUNG II | Houston, TX. | 03/07/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a classic soul LP that is just this side of flawless (some of the production is dated) but it is also a classic that somehow got lost since it was released just months before the Jackson Juggernaut known as "Thriller". While Rushen had been a regular fixture on the Soul/R&B charts since the late 70's, "Straight From The Heart" was her first real pop crossover success and it's easy to see why; the hits are here in all their glory "Forget Me Not's" (this song will NEVER sound old)the full length version of "Remind Me" complete with it's jazzy, cymbal accented intro and electric piano solo, and the positively gorgeous "Where There Is Love", possibly the prettiest melody she's ever composed. The closer, "(She Will)Take You Down To Love" is a stunning, acoustic guitar driven ballad with a hint of danger that nicely rounds out this classic. If you can find it, get the original 9 song LP (I own 2 copies) since the 12" versions don't really enhance the album. This is a brisk pleasure from start to finish."

Overall Patrice's best work

Enlightened | 08/10/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This CD, originally released in 1982, in my opinion represents her best work,really showcasing her versatility. From being able to make you get up and dance (consider Will Smith's using Forget-Me-Nots for his Men-In-Black rap), to soothing love songs (Remind Me, my personal favorite on the CD, is a gem that deserved much more attention than it ever received) this CD provides a little something for everyone. She even gives a taste of her instrumental ability with the upbeat groove Number One. These songs combined with a strong supporting cast make for a CD that is extremely listenable; one you can put on and just let it play. Every artist has that one album that features them at their best. For me, this was the one for Patrice. While she has gone on to do some fine other work, including a jazz recording with a group known as "The Meeting", and being musical director for the "Comic Aid" specials, this for me will always be the one she's known for."

BREAKOUT!!!!!

Andre' S Grindle | Bangor,ME. | 12/06/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Straight From The Heart" is for the most part synthesized,
uptempo and very contemporary but Patrice's appealing mixture of
keyboards and live musicians make this album a through and though delight!"Forget Me Nots" does really some up much of
this album's sound with "I Was Tired Of Being Alone",the Stevie Wonder-like "All We Need" and the instrumental "Number One" being in the same vein."Breakout" is a clavinet-driven funk-rock
ditty while the wistfully jazzy "If Only" and the nearly acoustic
ballad "Remind Me" and the more electric slow groove "Where Is the Love" offer a change of pace.12" remixes are added to
make this interesting to collectors but if you want to get into
Patrice Rushen this is WITHOUT QUESTION where to go first!"